Chapter 51. The Shell (1)

Caitlin, who had just been looking like a person on the verge of death, now sported a smile so bright it was hard to believe she was the same person. While the fact that she had paid Isaac a hefty sum remained unchanged, the fact that it wasnt immediately leaving as cash but staying as debt meant they could avoid instant bankruptcy.

Especially in a situation where a significant amount of cash had been lost due to the Loracus crash, every penny was desperately needed.

Now that she could fully return the gold borrowed from the higher-ups, she could minimize the responsibility she ought to bear as much as possible.

Lets talk about the terms then! How much interest were you thinking?

The Golden Idol Guild must have set interest rates based on creditworthiness and amounts. Propose the conditions according to that first. After all, Im more interested in using the assets of the Golden Idol Guild.

Understood! Ill have the accounts department sort it out and get back to you right away.

Watching Caitlin hurry to organize the related information, Isaac thought to himself,

So much for travelling frugally.

His journey since leaving the monastery had been pure survival. He thought he could just sleep anywhere like in the games, eat anything with his tentacles, and just get stronger as needed. That turned out to be a miscalculation.

Although he had been getting used to it, it was unnecessary hardship. Therefore, Isaac decided to contact the Golden Idol Guild and create some debt.

The Loracus affair made things too easy, but

If this incident prevents the Dawn Army from rising, that would be troublesome in its own way, but Isaac didnt think that would happen. The Dawn Army had already risen 12 times. As long as the holy land remained in the hands of the Immortal Order, the Dawn Army would always inevitably rise.

Ah, and I have a gift for you.

A gift? But youve already entrusted us with such a large sum

You must be thinking its actually a loss. Anyway, its your item, so it seems right for you to have it.

With that, Isaac opened a box he had brought in front of Caitlin. Inside was a humble-looking shepherds crook. Caitlin didnt understand what it was for a moment, then her eyes widened.

Is that a relic?

Yes.

The origins of the Golden Idol Guild were said to be from a nomadic tribe. A young shepherd boy witnessed a golden sheep crossing a treacherous mountain range and followed it, discovering a path through a mountain range that no one had crossed before.

This tribe monopolized the mountain pass, opening a trade route through the world that had been disconnected, and that was the beginning of the Golden Idol Guild. This shepherds crook was supposedly carved by the boy himself, in his own likeness.

Compared to S-class relics like the Golden Horn or Midass Hand, the Amber Eyes its a bit lacking.

Still, the shepherds crook was considered an A-grade relic.

Caitlin carefully stroked the shepherds crook with her hand.

Yukhar had said the Golden Idol Guild had no priests or paladins, but in reality, the merchants themselves were both followers and priests. A merchant who had reached the level of branch manager naturally had a discerning eye.

Caitlin could tell at a glance that the Shepherds Crook was genuine.

Seeing such a precious relic returned to the Guild, Caitlin was ecstatic. For a moment, she scolded herself for thinking the Holy Knight had deceived her with a great ruse.

How can you go to such lengths Thank you so much. I will definitely inform the main office in Odhrif!

As soon as Caitlins words fell, it was as if they were a declaration, and a message appeared before Isaacs eyes.

[You have returned the Shepherds Crook relic to the Golden Idol Guild.]

[The Golden Idol blesses your noble journey.]

[Your luck greatly increases.]

[Your appraisal ability greatly increases.]

As expected.

Paladins can gain buffs simply by acquiring relics, but they lose those buffs immediately if they lose the relics. However, returning a relic can grant a small but permanent power increase.

If carrying all the relics was impractical, it was better to return what could be returned to gain benefits. Especially, the Shepherds Crook was chosen for return because it was cumbersome to carry around and did not directly assist in combat due to its size and volume.

Isaac looked at Caitlins desk. At a glance, he noticed the luxurious mahogany material and the artisans meticulous work in every corner, recognizing details he hadnt known before thanks to his improved appraisal ability.

Luck aside, even appraisal ability has increased. Thats quite a blessing.

He had thought that after taking over the sanctuary and causing significant losses to the Golden Idol Guild, the compensation for returning a relic wouldnt be much. However, the blessings felt like an unexpected favor.

Could it be because I aided other merchants and reduced the aftermath of the Loracus surge?

It might be an overinterpretation, but it was clear that the Golden Idol had shown him favor. According to Yukhar, a god without personality wouldnt know gratitude, but Isaac decided to be thankful anyway.

As Isaac was lost in thought, Caitlin stroked the shepherds crook and murmured.

Taking a deep breath, Caitlin then said to Isaac,

After receiving such gifts in succession, we cant just stand by. We would like to offer a gift to you, Sir Isaac.

A gift?

Would you follow me this way?

***

Caitlin led him to a place that looked like a dilapidated warehouse. The entrance was littered with dusty boxes and rags. However, Isaac realized this place was located in the innermost part of the trading company.

The hallway surrounds a room.

It was a spot difficult to infiltrate without being noticed, hard to access from the outside, and the walls and doors were made of different materials than other places.

Is this some kind of vault?

Caitlin looked at Isaac with surprise and nodded.

You have a keen eye indeed. Its not a vault, but something similar. Vaults arent guarded this rigorously.

Approaching the warehouse door, a middle-aged man suddenly appeared and greeted them. He was a guard hidden in a blind spot. With the door opened, Isaac and Caitlin could enter.

Rumors abound about the Golden Idol Guilds vaults.

Walls and floors filled with amber jewels, dazzling treasures of gold and silver, various precious medicinal herbs and spices. Of course, such items might be stored in the main vault in Odhrif, where the headquarters of the Golden Idol Guild is located, but branches dont keep such items due to the risk of theft.

At best, there would be bundles of bonds and a few documents.

Of course, those documents held the power to shake nobles and priests.

As expected, when they opened the warehouse, nothing but old boxes and dust-covered rags appeared.

Caitlin then uncovered a mannequin standing against the wall. Hidden beneath was a dull gray suit of armor. Although it looked ordinary, Isaac immediately recognized what it was, thanks to his enhanced appraisal ability and status window.

This is

A full suit of armor we happened upon. It has the emblem of the Codex of Light engraved, so its believed to be a paladins armor, but we couldnt determine which order it belonged to. Weve been keeping it just in case.

It was natural for Caitlin not to recognize it. This armor was from a time now unknown to anyone.

Where did you get it?

Well Im ashamed to say its loot. Found in the ruins after an attack by the Immortal Order. It seemed inappropriate to circulate in the market, so we acquired it.

Caitlin said this as she gently stroked the armor.

If you wouldnt mind, Sir Isaac, we thought you could wear this armor. Its a bit awkward to return, and selling it felt wrong. But if a noble paladin of the Codex of Light, who is on a sacred quest like yourself, were to have it, we believe youd be more than deserving.

Isaac touched his lips thoughtfully. Her words were correct. So correct that, in the whole continent, there might be no one more deserving of this armor than Isaac.

[Paladin Armor of Kalsen Miller (Sealed)]

Because this was the armor worn by Kalsen Miller during his time as a paladin.

Paladin armors generally look similar, with only minor differences in details and emblems.

But this armor had all signs of belonging and identity, even the lightly inscribed scriptures or prayers, aggressively erased. It was a blatant sign of apostasy.

No wonder Caitlin hesitated to dispose of it.

The removal of the Codex of Lights emblems and the erasure of prayer phrases from a paladins armor could very well have had the inquisitors rushing over to declare it heretical. However, due to this, no trace of it being Kalsen Millers armor remained.

The armor itself is a mark of an apostate But maybe itll be fine if its covered up adequately?

It was a carefree thought, but the item was too tempting to pass up. It wasnt just any armor, but Kalsen Millers. It was bound to be equipped with incredible miracles. And considering it remained intact even after being entangled in those tentacles

Wait, didnt the tentacles consume Kalsen?

His memory was a bit foggy, but it was clear the tentacles had devoured Kalsen. The fact that only his armor was left didnt make sense.

Did it eat the meat and spit out the shell?

It was a ridiculous thought, yet it seemed possible.

Isaac examined Kalsens Paladin Armor. The Sealed tag blocked any recognition of its grade, but the miracles it emitted already proved its significant worth. If the armor was protected by powerful miracles, it would have been difficult even for the tentacles to digest.

Strength enhancement, fatigue recovery, weight reduction, physical protection Whats this? Maintenance of cleanliness and a minor temperature control effect? So it essentially has good air conditioning?

Even the basic miracles in its sealed state were impressive; unsealing it might reveal astonishingly potent miracles.

Kalsen, I thought you were modest, but you were walking around wrapped in a hotel.

Would you accept it?

Expecting an eager acceptance, Caitlin was puzzled to see Isaac hesitating.

Paladins were known for their desire for equipment, after all.

Meanwhile, Isaac envied her ignorance. If he hadnt known the original owner of the armor, he would have worn it without a second thought.

Already being compared to Kalsen every time I draw my sword, wearing Kalsens armor might invite even more suspicion Ah, forget it.

Isaac impulsively spoke up.

Ill take it.

The item was too precious to pass up. If it was scary, he could just remove it within the borders of the Gerthonian Empire and wear it when entering the territories of other faiths.

Caitlins face brightened at Isaacs words.

Excellent! Would you like to try it on? Ill help you.

No, Ill try it on myself. Could you step aside for a moment?

Isaac asked, partly fearing the tentacles might react sensitively to an item they had spat out. If it was something regurgitated by the tentacles, wearing it might cause problems.

Caitlin seemed hesitant to leave Isaac alone in the precious storeroom but, showing trust, she bowed her head and stepped outside.

Isaac began to don the armor.

He wasnt worried about the size. Even Gebels armor had adjusted to fit him perfectly. Kalsen Militors armor would surely be no different.

Indeed, as Isaac put on the gloves, boots, and each piece, mechanical clicks sounded, and the armor snugly adjusted to his body.

Just as Isaac was putting on the final piece, the helmet, a message appeared before his eyes.

[Recognized as the rightful owner.]

[The seal on the equipment is being lifted.]

Huh?